Cologne/Bonn Airport: Massive flight cancellations due to a lack of staff!
Cologne/Bonn Airport is struggling with flight cancellations and delays due to a staff shortage. Travelers should inform themselves.

Cologne/Bonn Airport: Massive flight cancellations due to a lack of staff!
The situation at Cologne/Bonn Airport is tense today, June 2, 2025. Due to an acute staff shortage, numerous flights have to be canceled. In addition to the cancellations already announced, these also include the flight to Berlin, which was scheduled to depart at 8:40 a.m., and the plane from Berlin landing at 8:00 a.m. This is reported by tonight.de.
But that's not all. Travelers at the airport also have to expect longer waiting times, as there are regular delays in check-ins and security checks. There have been significant disruptions in recent months, including staff warning strikes. On March 14, 2024, Cologne/Bonn Airport was affected by a strike by the Verdi union, which meant that hardly any flights could take off on time.
Warning strikes and their consequences
The current situation is not an isolated case. There were already several warning strikes in February and March 2024, which severely affected air traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia. Another strike by the Verdi union started in Cologne just a few days ago, on February 23, 2025. The aim is to increase the pressure in the ongoing collective bargaining. Passengers must therefore expect massive disruptions, especially when loading and unloading aircraft and at the check-in counter.
A look at the planned flight connections shows that many travelers are faced with the challenge of missing connections or even canceling the trip entirely. Travelers should keep this in mind, especially when important appointments such as business meetings are coming up. The unions are demanding, among other things, a wage increase of 8% and additional days off for staff.
New security check system
The current situation at Cologne/Bonn Airport clearly shows how important it is to be well informed before traveling. Travelers should check their flight status before arrival and, if necessary, consider alternatives, such as using Deutsche Bahn for domestic destinations. A careful look at what's happening on your trip could make your stressful airport stay a little less stressful.
Overall, the situation at Cologne/Bonn Airport remains tense due to the lack of staff and ongoing collective bargaining. Travelers should be prepared to remain flexible and adapt to possible changes. Further developments and collective negotiations will be followed with interest as the situation can change at any time. If you look at future flights, Cologne/Bonn Airport is a place where “something is happening” at the moment.